A Sudanese hospital worker recounts the terror of fleeing el-Fasher as paramilitary troops allegedly massacre patients. His story highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

At a glance

  • Abdu-Rabbu Ahmed lost colleagues and family during the RSF assault.
  • The World Health Organization condemned the reported killings of at least 460 individuals.
  • Satellite imagery corroborates reports of mass killings and bodies at the hospital.

    • Eyewitness Accounts of Terror

    Abdu-Rabbu Ahmed, a laboratory technician at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, shared his harrowing experience of fleeing the city amid an alleged massacre. Speaking from a displaced persons camp in Tawila, he expressed profound loss, stating, "I have lost my colleagues... It feels as if you lost a big part of your body or your soul." The city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege, escalating the ongoing civil war that began in April 2023. Ahmed described the chaos as the RSF launched their final assault. "The shelling started around six in the morning," he recounted. Civilians and soldiers alike fled towards the southern side, facing drone attacks and heavy artillery. Many medical staff who had endured regular shelling were forced to abandon the hospital as the situation deteriorated.

    Reports of Atrocities

    The alleged massacre at the Saudi Hospital has drawn international condemnation. The World Health Organization expressed being "appalled and deeply shocked" by the reported killings and the abduction of six health workers. Ahmed reported that some fleeing medical workers were detained in nearby areas, while others were executed. He expressed deep concern for those left behind, fearing they may be used as human shields. Accounts from Sudanese doctors' groups and local activists corroborate the reports of mass killings. Satellite imagery from Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab shows evidence of blood and bodies in the hospital compound, reinforcing claims of atrocities. Footage authenticated by BBC Verify depicts bodies and an RSF fighter shooting a wounded man.

    Kidnappings and Ransoms

    Dr. Mohamed Elsheikh from the Sudan Doctors Network reported that the RSF has been demanding ransoms for the release of abducted health workers. One medical staff member was released after his family paid a ransom of $30,000, while another was executed. The fate of the remaining four health workers remains unknown. In Tawila, survivors like Mohamed Abdu-Teia shared their experiences of fleeing the violence. He described being interrogated at a checkpoint and witnessing the deaths of others. Many children arrived at the Tawila camps without parents, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on families.

    Survivors' Stories of Loss

    Among the displaced is 15-year-old Eman, who lost her father in a drone strike and saw her mother and brother detained by the RSF. She recounted the horrors of the RSF's actions, stating, "Whoever did not die, [the RSF] ran them over with vehicles." Another teenager, 14-year-old Samar, also lost her mother and father during the chaos, with reports indicating that the Children's Hospital in el-Fasher was being used as a detention center. The RSF has attempted to counter allegations of violence by releasing videos claiming that medical personnel are free to practice medicine. However, many, including Dr. Elsheikh, dismiss these claims as propaganda. Ahmed, reflecting on his experiences, stated, "I do not have any hope of returning to el-Fasher." His testimony underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international attention to the situation in Sudan.